The Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe is a cozy twist on the classic mule that adds a festive spark to any occasion. Whether you're relaxing after work or hosting a holiday get-together, this cocktail's blend of warm spices, tart cranberry, and zesty lime makes it a perfect treat. I love how the subtle cinnamon and clove notes mingle with the zing of ginger beer to create something comforting yet refreshingly bright.
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Why This Recipe Works
This cocktail strikes the perfect balance between warm, cozy spices and crisp, refreshing flavors. It's approachable and quick to make, but feels special enough to impress your guests or add a little something extra to your evening.
- Consistent Texture: Using freshly shaken ingredients ensures a silky smooth base before adding the lively ginger beer fizz.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and cloves complements the tart cranberry and zesty lime without overpowering the vodka.
- Simple Ingredients: You can find everything at your local store or naturally have most on hand, making this easy to whip up anytime.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Just minutes to mix and ready to serve, this drink brings warmth and sparkle to any moment.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing the right ingredients really sets you up for success with your Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe. I always aim for fresh, quality items since they shine through in the final cocktail.
- Vodka: Opt for a clean, smooth vodka to let the spices and cranberry shine without harshness.
- Cranberry Juice: Go for unsweetened or lightly sweetened to keep control over the drink's tartness and avoid cloying sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference-it brightens everything up and adds natural zing.
- Ginger Beer: Choose a lively, crisp ginger beer (not ginger ale) for that signature spicy kick and effervescence.
- Ground Cinnamon and Cloves: A little goes a long way-freshly ground spices release the best aroma and flavor.
- Garnishes: Fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary sprigs add festive flair and aromatic appeal.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by measuring out your vodka, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. It's key to get your cinnamon and cloves ready too-just a small amount provides that warm spice foundation. Gathering ice and garnishes now helps keep everything on track. I like to use a shaker to really marry the flavors early on without watering down the drink.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, cinnamon, and cloves in the cocktail shaker. Fill it halfway with ice to chill without diluting too much. Then shake for about 10 to 15 seconds until it feels cold to the touch and the spices are well mixed. This step blends everything into a smooth, aromatic base that invites you to pour your ginger beer on top with a lively fizz.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Fill your glass or mule mug with fresh ice-don't skip this or your drink risks warming too fast. Optionally, run a lime wedge around the rim for an enticing citrus scent. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice, then gently top with ginger beer. Pour slowly to keep the bubbles bubbling; if you want to get fancy, use the back of a spoon to soften the splash. Add your garnishes last to give it that festive sparkle.
Pro Moves I Swear By
From my experience, these tips help make the Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe shine every single time.
- Doneness Cue: When shaking, feel the shaker get very cold and condensation form-that's your signal to stop.
- Temperature Trick: Chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand for an extra-cold sip that lasts.
- Make-Ahead Move: Mix the vodka, cranberry, lime, and spices in advance and keep chilled; add ice and ginger beer when ready to serve.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid over-shaking; bruising ginger beer by shaking it can flatten the bubbles in the final pour.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
Garnishing with fresh cranberries and a bright wedge of lime adds color and a fragrant zing that makes this mule feel festive. The rosemary sprig isn't just pretty; it releases a piney aroma that lifts each sip. I like to give everything a gentle stir at the end to combine the garnishes' aromas with the chilly, spicy drink.
Great Pairings
This Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe goes beautifully with roasted nuts or a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar and mild gouda. The spicy, tart notes balance creamy and savory bites nicely. If you're serving a meal, grilled chicken or turkey with herb stuffing pair wonderfully too.
Easy Plating Wins
Use copper mugs for a classic mule vibe or clear glassware to show off the deep red hue. Adding a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary tied with twine gives a cozy, crafted touch that's perfect for holiday entertaining or weekend relaxing. It's simple but impactful.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cocktail base after shaking (without ginger beer), store it in an airtight bottle or jar in the fridge. It'll keep well for up to 2 days. The flavor remains bright, but the fresh lime and ginger beer are best added just before serving to maintain fizz and zip.
Freezer Notes
The Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe doesn't freeze well because of the citrus and carbonation. If you freeze cranberry juice alone, the texture and flavor may degrade, and the ginger beer will lose all its bubbles. Best to enjoy fresh for peak flavor and fizz.
Reheating Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe Without Drying Out
This cocktail is best served cold and fresh, so reheating isn't recommended. If you want to prep the base in advance, just add ice and ginger beer as you serve. For warm mulled drinks with spices, a different recipe works better. Here, keep it chilled and fizzy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! A vanilla or citrus-flavored vodka can add an interesting twist, but make sure it complements rather than clashes with the cranberry and spices.
Frozen cranberries work great and can even be used as festive ice cubes to chill the drink without diluting it.
Yes! Simply swap vodka for a bit more cranberry juice or use a non-alcoholic spirit, and you'll still enjoy the spiced, tangy flavors.
I like brands with a bold ginger flavor and natural sweetness, like Fever-Tree or Gosling's. Avoid overly sweet or flat options for best results.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe
The Spiced Cranberry Mule is a festive and refreshing cocktail that combines the tartness of cranberry juice with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, balanced by the zing of fresh lime juice and the fizz of ginger beer. Served over ice and garnished with fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary, it's perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice, unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 oz ginger beer
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Ice cubes
For Garnish
- Fresh cranberries
- Lime wedges
- Sprig of rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out 2 oz of vodka, 3 oz of cranberry juice, and ½ oz fresh lime juice. Gather ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of cloves, ice cubes, and your garnishes including fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary. Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the brightness of the drink.
- Mix the Base: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and blend all ingredients evenly. Shake firmly but avoid bruising the ginger beer later.
- Prepare the Glasses: Fill your mugs or glasses with ice cubes, leaving enough room to add the ginger beer. Optionally, rub a lime wedge around the rim for extra flavor and a festive touch.
- Assemble the Mule: Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over the ice. Slowly top with 4 oz of ginger beer, pouring gently-using the back of a spoon if desired-to preserve the fizziness.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of rosemary as garnish. Stir gently with a straw or spoon to combine flavors. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy. For an extra festive touch, freeze cranberries ahead of time to keep the drink cold without diluting it.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Lightly sweetened or unsweetened cranberry juice works best to balance the tartness.
- Freeze cranberries in advance to use as festive, non-diluting ice cubes.
- Pour ginger beer slowly to preserve carbonation and maintain fizz.
- Rubbing the glass rim with lime enhances aroma and adds a decorative touch.
- Adjust spice quantities to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder spice flavor.
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